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Faker
IN A FAMILY OF LIARS, WHO CAN YOU TRUST?
Trey knows how the trick His dad gets him into a school full of kids with rich parents. Trey makes friends, and his dad makes connections. Soon, there’s the con, where Trey’s dad suckers the other parents into giving him money for one of his schemes.
Once the money’s in the bank, Trey, his sister, and their dad go on the run … until they set up somewhere else and start again.
Trey believes his father when he says no one’s getting hurt. After all, these parents have money to spare.
Still, Trey’s starting to get tired of running … and lying … and never having a friend for longer than a few months. But how do you get your family to stop lying when your lives depend on it?
Trey knows how the trick His dad gets him into a school full of kids with rich parents. Trey makes friends, and his dad makes connections. Soon, there’s the con, where Trey’s dad suckers the other parents into giving him money for one of his schemes.
Once the money’s in the bank, Trey, his sister, and their dad go on the run … until they set up somewhere else and start again.
Trey believes his father when he says no one’s getting hurt. After all, these parents have money to spare.
Still, Trey’s starting to get tired of running … and lying … and never having a friend for longer than a few months. But how do you get your family to stop lying when your lives depend on it?
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Published July 9, 2024
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About the author
Gordon Korman
251 books4,448 followersGordon Korman is a Canadian author of children's and young adult fiction books. Korman's books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide over a career spanning four decades and have appeared at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.
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July 6, 2024
✰ 4 stars ✰
“We were the good guys, the Robin Hoods, who took only from people who would barely miss the money. Except that isn’t true. It was never true.”
Gordon Korman gets it. His books have this innate ability of just connecting the reader with the character - tackling important issues in such a clear-cut and straightforward manner that it just makes you sympathize and relate to the struggles of his protagonists. 😔 And it is impossible not to care for twelve-year-old Trey, a lovable and likable kid who is unfortunately caught in a very sticky situation, the only lifestyle he's ever known, in which he knowingly has to participate in his father's swindling and con-artist ways of convincing rich people to invest in nonexistent businesses and skedaddling like Houdini whenever it comes close that their current con is about to hit a snag - a 'con man: crook, thief, criminal' - a Faker, if there ever was one. 🥸
But you see, it's a question about ethics and values and morals. One simple social studies class that has Trey question what he's been taught to do - 'my father is like a fox with an all-access backstage pass to the henhouse. And that access is me.' Stealing from the rich to feed the poor - very much Robin Hood behavior. 😟 And that certainty that his father was only ever swindling from those who could afford it - was a slight reprieve, if not satisfying feeling on his moral compass that regardless of how hard it was to say goodbye to friends or the gnawing ache in the back of his head that he was kinda treading on treacherous grounds, it was with the knowledge that what they were doing - was slightly permissible. 😢
“There’ll be plenty of time for regrets later on. Right now, I have to act! Nothing is more important than family.
Family is everything; family is forever; family is the top priority.”
Moving from place to place, school to school, whenever the going gets rough, Trey is always putting himself and his desire to have the chance to build a stable life and friendship in a community - simply because the family and the business have to come first. 'But even though he was using me, I never felt used. I was important. I was part of this.' 🥺 It's a difficult and torturous responsibility to place on a child - a secret so great that he's always hesitating about speaking up against his father in the fear that one wrong move and he and his younger sister could be placed in Child Services, but it's one he's carried with pride and a small guarantee in trusting that his father always knows what's best for them.
But, when there start to appear cracks in Trey's ethical principles - when he starts to doubt his father's supposed good intentions (because let's face it, the profit he gained was only for their family and not distributing to those in need) - and realizes that he never really regarded the difference between the rich or the poor - simply a means to an end of gaining the utmost profit, the wheels start to churn in his mind that maybe - perhaps - there is some wrongdoing that simply can't be forgiven or overlooked. 😥 'Ripping people off. I can’t believe I ever thought it was anything more than stealing.' That innocent people could get hurt by his actions, and he never really took it into face value, till he starts to deeply care about those being targeted.
“Giving to the poor—great. Stealing—not so great. Is it ever okay to do something wrong in order to do something right?”
Trey's conscience kicks into overdrive when he sees how his younger sister, Arianna is spiraling in her father's footsteps without care of others' feelings, when he sees how welcome he feels in the new community his father is keen to make a buck off - finally feeling like he can build friendships and a name for himself - that is his own. 😣 The way GK brought all these conflicts together was excellent. His doubts and self-reflection on his involvement in the final Big Kahuna - his lingering uncertainties and desire to finally be free of this shady life that is all he's ever known - so genuine. 'I’m sick of that life. I want to stay in the same place for a while. I want to stay here.' The emotional onslaught of warring with himself of whether to expose his father's criminal malfeasance or give into simply being a normal seventh grader - the desire to just live without a hidden agenda. He finally makes a decision on his own merits and values, one in which he knows he can face the consequences the hard way or the punishable way; and that really makes his coming-of-age moment shine. How he starts to regret his involvement in his father's swindling schemes and hopes to do what's right. 😇
One that I really didn't expect to see it play out the way it did, but when it did - I couldn't imagine him doing anything else. I loved that GK gave a believable reason for how he finally wanted out - the guilt that was starting to weigh on him heavily - 'it would be worth it to be able to look at myself in the mirror and see an honest face looking back at me.' 😔 He wanted an out of escaping to exotic offshore island as they lay low before the law was off their trail - loved how he started making friends - friends he trusted and cared for, whose issues and concerns he put over his father's ways. They were a delightful mix of different personalities - each with their own story that made me care about each of them, and helped Trey better understand himself and open up his mind to different issues and the challenges others have to face - that maybe he is not alone in his plight. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“You never mess with anything that might get you caught. That is the ultimate disaster, the end of everything.”
What did surprise me and shock me and left me with an unpleasant taste in my heart was Trey's sister; she was, phew - what a character - a character I genuinely disliked on principle - on sight. 😒 'She sees us having adventures, with her on the outside looking in.' But, here's the thing - I understand why GK included her personality as such - how just because they were both raised by the same father in the same circumstances does not mean they will have the same feelings regarding the morality of their actions. Trey may have seen the light, but it does not mean it is an immediate change on others. And that struck a chord with me at how GK managed to pull that off - effectively so. I may not have approved, but it makes sense. 😕
It was an enjoyable read, no question. 💜💛 The sudden plot twist was something I had caught on much earlier, but I liked how it went down - ultimately motivating Trey to act in the only way he knew how. And as much as I would have liked Trey's father to own up to a few things, I don't quite mind that the author chose to end it the way he did - although, I think he did own up to a few of his actions a little too easily. For if there is any author that I trust blindly, it would be Gordon Korman - and his latest middle grade read does not fail. 👍🏻 His past recent releases had been one of those with a wider scope of characters, so I loved that it was back to a single protagonist, one whose conflict is so messy and conflicting that it immediately sucks you in. Read it before sleeping last night and I could not stop till I found out what fate awaited Trey and if he would be able to pull off the final Kahuna or would he finally work up the courage to stand up for his principles. 💜
“We were the good guys, the Robin Hoods, who took only from people who would barely miss the money. Except that isn’t true. It was never true.”
Gordon Korman gets it. His books have this innate ability of just connecting the reader with the character - tackling important issues in such a clear-cut and straightforward manner that it just makes you sympathize and relate to the struggles of his protagonists. 😔 And it is impossible not to care for twelve-year-old Trey, a lovable and likable kid who is unfortunately caught in a very sticky situation, the only lifestyle he's ever known, in which he knowingly has to participate in his father's swindling and con-artist ways of convincing rich people to invest in nonexistent businesses and skedaddling like Houdini whenever it comes close that their current con is about to hit a snag - a 'con man: crook, thief, criminal' - a Faker, if there ever was one. 🥸
But you see, it's a question about ethics and values and morals. One simple social studies class that has Trey question what he's been taught to do - 'my father is like a fox with an all-access backstage pass to the henhouse. And that access is me.' Stealing from the rich to feed the poor - very much Robin Hood behavior. 😟 And that certainty that his father was only ever swindling from those who could afford it - was a slight reprieve, if not satisfying feeling on his moral compass that regardless of how hard it was to say goodbye to friends or the gnawing ache in the back of his head that he was kinda treading on treacherous grounds, it was with the knowledge that what they were doing - was slightly permissible. 😢
“There’ll be plenty of time for regrets later on. Right now, I have to act! Nothing is more important than family.
Family is everything; family is forever; family is the top priority.”
Moving from place to place, school to school, whenever the going gets rough, Trey is always putting himself and his desire to have the chance to build a stable life and friendship in a community - simply because the family and the business have to come first. 'But even though he was using me, I never felt used. I was important. I was part of this.' 🥺 It's a difficult and torturous responsibility to place on a child - a secret so great that he's always hesitating about speaking up against his father in the fear that one wrong move and he and his younger sister could be placed in Child Services, but it's one he's carried with pride and a small guarantee in trusting that his father always knows what's best for them.
But, when there start to appear cracks in Trey's ethical principles - when he starts to doubt his father's supposed good intentions (because let's face it, the profit he gained was only for their family and not distributing to those in need) - and realizes that he never really regarded the difference between the rich or the poor - simply a means to an end of gaining the utmost profit, the wheels start to churn in his mind that maybe - perhaps - there is some wrongdoing that simply can't be forgiven or overlooked. 😥 'Ripping people off. I can’t believe I ever thought it was anything more than stealing.' That innocent people could get hurt by his actions, and he never really took it into face value, till he starts to deeply care about those being targeted.
“Giving to the poor—great. Stealing—not so great. Is it ever okay to do something wrong in order to do something right?”
Trey's conscience kicks into overdrive when he sees how his younger sister, Arianna is spiraling in her father's footsteps without care of others' feelings, when he sees how welcome he feels in the new community his father is keen to make a buck off - finally feeling like he can build friendships and a name for himself - that is his own. 😣 The way GK brought all these conflicts together was excellent. His doubts and self-reflection on his involvement in the final Big Kahuna - his lingering uncertainties and desire to finally be free of this shady life that is all he's ever known - so genuine. 'I’m sick of that life. I want to stay in the same place for a while. I want to stay here.' The emotional onslaught of warring with himself of whether to expose his father's criminal malfeasance or give into simply being a normal seventh grader - the desire to just live without a hidden agenda. He finally makes a decision on his own merits and values, one in which he knows he can face the consequences the hard way or the punishable way; and that really makes his coming-of-age moment shine. How he starts to regret his involvement in his father's swindling schemes and hopes to do what's right. 😇
One that I really didn't expect to see it play out the way it did, but when it did - I couldn't imagine him doing anything else. I loved that GK gave a believable reason for how he finally wanted out - the guilt that was starting to weigh on him heavily - 'it would be worth it to be able to look at myself in the mirror and see an honest face looking back at me.' 😔 He wanted an out of escaping to exotic offshore island as they lay low before the law was off their trail - loved how he started making friends - friends he trusted and cared for, whose issues and concerns he put over his father's ways. They were a delightful mix of different personalities - each with their own story that made me care about each of them, and helped Trey better understand himself and open up his mind to different issues and the challenges others have to face - that maybe he is not alone in his plight. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“You never mess with anything that might get you caught. That is the ultimate disaster, the end of everything.”
What did surprise me and shock me and left me with an unpleasant taste in my heart was Trey's sister; she was, phew - what a character - a character I genuinely disliked on principle - on sight. 😒 'She sees us having adventures, with her on the outside looking in.' But, here's the thing - I understand why GK included her personality as such - how just because they were both raised by the same father in the same circumstances does not mean they will have the same feelings regarding the morality of their actions. Trey may have seen the light, but it does not mean it is an immediate change on others. And that struck a chord with me at how GK managed to pull that off - effectively so. I may not have approved, but it makes sense. 😕
It was an enjoyable read, no question. 💜💛 The sudden plot twist was something I had caught on much earlier, but I liked how it went down - ultimately motivating Trey to act in the only way he knew how. And as much as I would have liked Trey's father to own up to a few things, I don't quite mind that the author chose to end it the way he did - although, I think he did own up to a few of his actions a little too easily. For if there is any author that I trust blindly, it would be Gordon Korman - and his latest middle grade read does not fail. 👍🏻 His past recent releases had been one of those with a wider scope of characters, so I loved that it was back to a single protagonist, one whose conflict is so messy and conflicting that it immediately sucks you in. Read it before sleeping last night and I could not stop till I found out what fate awaited Trey and if he would be able to pull off the final Kahuna or would he finally work up the courage to stand up for his principles. 💜
September 12, 2025
What a heartfelt and fun read from Korman! I love his books so much!
Characters:
Trey is the only POV character in this story and I loved him! He was so conflicted and his arc through the whole story was both humorous and touching! I loved it!
Arianna was such a spoiled little gal...and ruthless. XD
Logan was so sweet, and I definitely saw that plot twist coming, but loved him all the more for it!
Kaylee was cracking me up! She reminded me a little bit of Daphne from Slacker, but a little less...dedicated, not quite the world...but I can't seem to find the one I want. XD
I loved Mr. Novak too!
Themes:
Ethics people...and it's such a good book which handles the topic so well!
Romance:
Minor crushing, but super clean and hardly there...mentions of someone being Trey's 'girlfriend' which he denies every time.
Language:
I didn't keep up with it...lol...but I'm sure there were a few hecks and dangs...which aren't an issue for me.
Violence/Gore:
A sticky and dirty pond...mentions of a car chase in the past...mentions mom being dead, not really just part of the story they tell.
Overall:
This was another fantastic read from Korman! I loved it!
Recommend ages 9+
Characters:
Trey is the only POV character in this story and I loved him! He was so conflicted and his arc through the whole story was both humorous and touching! I loved it!
Arianna was such a spoiled little gal...and ruthless. XD
Logan was so sweet, and I definitely saw that plot twist coming, but loved him all the more for it!
Kaylee was cracking me up! She reminded me a little bit of Daphne from Slacker, but a little less...dedicated, not quite the world...but I can't seem to find the one I want. XD
I loved Mr. Novak too!
Themes:
Ethics people...and it's such a good book which handles the topic so well!
Romance:
Minor crushing, but super clean and hardly there...mentions of someone being Trey's 'girlfriend' which he denies every time.
Language:
I didn't keep up with it...lol...but I'm sure there were a few hecks and dangs...which aren't an issue for me.
Violence/Gore:
A sticky and dirty pond...mentions of a car chase in the past...mentions mom being dead, not really just part of the story they tell.
Overall:
This was another fantastic read from Korman! I loved it!
Recommend ages 9+
February 29, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Trey and his sister Arianna have had a nomadic life, changing schools and moving to new places frequently, with "vacations" in exotic locales in between, because their father, Junior, is a con artist. They change names frequently, but always included the generational markers so they can be called the same thing. Arianna's name gets different spellings. Their mother left long ago, unable to deal with this lifestyle. The father settles in to a place with wealthy marks, like the Spealman School where Trey has befriended Rudy. He comes up with a scheme, like selling shares in a purebred show dog, gathers the money, and absconds. There's even a family safe word, "Houdini", for when the extractions have to take place. The latest one involved pulling Trey out in the middle of a lacrosse game after the parents at the school all started to realize they had bought shares in the same dog. The next stop is Boxelder, Tennessee, where the father has found a furnished house in a wealthy area called "The Point". Trey and Arianna's contribution to the con is to befriend wealthy children and introduce Junior to their parents. Arianna, who is younger, wants to play a larger role, and is proud to bring home Micah, whose parents are art dealers. Junior takes a while to figure out a scheme, and Trey settles in to the school, making friends with Logan and well as Kaylee Novak, whose father is also one of his teachers. Mr. Novak is starting a unit on ethics, which is uncomfortable for Trey, and Kaylee is determined to save the local Albion Pond, which has become derelict and filled with mosquitos, while the area around The Point is much nicer. Junior allows Trey to do this as long as he doesn't get him picture in the paper. Junior's plan turns out to be a new, flashy Electic Vehicle called "El Capitan". He has a guy put a new body on a Tesla, and drives the car around town. The parents are enthralled. Junior claims to be a lower echelon worker, but is able to take "investment money". This starts to add up to million of dollars, but Trey has his doubts. Not only does he want to stay with his new friends in Boxelder, but he starts to question his father's assertion that he only takes money from those who can afford it when Mr. Novak wants to invest Kaylee's college fund. When the news breaks that the new El Capitan factory will be built on the site of Albion Pond, things get even more complicated for Trey. How can he convince his father to give up his grifter lifestyle and embrace a more honest way of living?
Strengths: There was something weirdly enthralling about Trey's posh but corrupt lifestyle, but there was also the combined philosophic outlook of both the ethics of what the family was doing and the environmental and class division problems in Boxelder. This covers friendship, sibling rivalry, hype over new technology, and activism for children. It was funny, but also had a couple of fantastic plot twists that I do not want to spoil, since every fan of middle grade literature will want to go out and grab a copy of this right away. Personally, I was glad to see Korman return to the single perspective, first person voice; if I struggle with multiple narrators, I know many of my emerging readers will as well. The ending was a bit pat, but somehow the ending that I really wanted to have for both Trey and his community. Fantastic title.
Weaknesses: I'm taking a quarter of a star off for the deus ex machina ending, even though it does keep the book at a reasonable 224 pages.
What I really think: I'm a big Korman fan, but I have to say that this is one of my favorites, right up there with Born to Rock, Ungifted, and Slacker. The only question now is whether to buy two or three copies!
Trey and his sister Arianna have had a nomadic life, changing schools and moving to new places frequently, with "vacations" in exotic locales in between, because their father, Junior, is a con artist. They change names frequently, but always included the generational markers so they can be called the same thing. Arianna's name gets different spellings. Their mother left long ago, unable to deal with this lifestyle. The father settles in to a place with wealthy marks, like the Spealman School where Trey has befriended Rudy. He comes up with a scheme, like selling shares in a purebred show dog, gathers the money, and absconds. There's even a family safe word, "Houdini", for when the extractions have to take place. The latest one involved pulling Trey out in the middle of a lacrosse game after the parents at the school all started to realize they had bought shares in the same dog. The next stop is Boxelder, Tennessee, where the father has found a furnished house in a wealthy area called "The Point". Trey and Arianna's contribution to the con is to befriend wealthy children and introduce Junior to their parents. Arianna, who is younger, wants to play a larger role, and is proud to bring home Micah, whose parents are art dealers. Junior takes a while to figure out a scheme, and Trey settles in to the school, making friends with Logan and well as Kaylee Novak, whose father is also one of his teachers. Mr. Novak is starting a unit on ethics, which is uncomfortable for Trey, and Kaylee is determined to save the local Albion Pond, which has become derelict and filled with mosquitos, while the area around The Point is much nicer. Junior allows Trey to do this as long as he doesn't get him picture in the paper. Junior's plan turns out to be a new, flashy Electic Vehicle called "El Capitan". He has a guy put a new body on a Tesla, and drives the car around town. The parents are enthralled. Junior claims to be a lower echelon worker, but is able to take "investment money". This starts to add up to million of dollars, but Trey has his doubts. Not only does he want to stay with his new friends in Boxelder, but he starts to question his father's assertion that he only takes money from those who can afford it when Mr. Novak wants to invest Kaylee's college fund. When the news breaks that the new El Capitan factory will be built on the site of Albion Pond, things get even more complicated for Trey. How can he convince his father to give up his grifter lifestyle and embrace a more honest way of living?
Strengths: There was something weirdly enthralling about Trey's posh but corrupt lifestyle, but there was also the combined philosophic outlook of both the ethics of what the family was doing and the environmental and class division problems in Boxelder. This covers friendship, sibling rivalry, hype over new technology, and activism for children. It was funny, but also had a couple of fantastic plot twists that I do not want to spoil, since every fan of middle grade literature will want to go out and grab a copy of this right away. Personally, I was glad to see Korman return to the single perspective, first person voice; if I struggle with multiple narrators, I know many of my emerging readers will as well. The ending was a bit pat, but somehow the ending that I really wanted to have for both Trey and his community. Fantastic title.
Weaknesses: I'm taking a quarter of a star off for the deus ex machina ending, even though it does keep the book at a reasonable 224 pages.
What I really think: I'm a big Korman fan, but I have to say that this is one of my favorites, right up there with Born to Rock, Ungifted, and Slacker. The only question now is whether to buy two or three copies!
March 14, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Scholastic for this advance review copy of Faker by Gordon Korman in exchange for a honest review!
Trey has always looked up to his father, a sly con man who makes a living off scamming the rich. Every time Trey’s father successfully pulls off a swindle, their family moves off to some other town to trick some rich folk; but when Trey starts to see through his father’s lies, he decides he may not wanna be part of this business anymore.
Korman truly does write some of the best middle-grade books I’ve ever read, and this is no exception! Korman writes a lot about ethics in this story, and I think that ethics are a super important part of life that a middle schooler could really benefit from learning about! This book has a great mix of interesting characters and suspenseful plot points. I loved hearing about Trey’s past with his con-man father, I loved the interactions characters had with ‘Mona’, a quirky calico. Korman added lots of fun details that really made the story enjoyable.
Trey was a very lovable character; maybe you wouldn’t initially think that because he’s always helped his father get away with these scandals, but Trey really is a great kid who will make you ponder your morals. I think all of the characters were very interesting to read about; they all had a super-present personality that added a lot of flavor to the story! My favorite character was definitely Logan; I sympathized with his issues and thought he was pretty funny too.
I feel like every few chapters a new fun twist was put in the story; I definitely wasn’t expecting anything that ended up happening. I can only recall one plot twist that I guessed would occur, but to be fair I only thought about it happening a chapter or two before it ensued.
I would 100% recommend this to anyone, honestly! Korman is an excellent author; I can’t think of a novel of his that I didn’t like.
Favorite Qoutes:
Trey has always looked up to his father, a sly con man who makes a living off scamming the rich. Every time Trey’s father successfully pulls off a swindle, their family moves off to some other town to trick some rich folk; but when Trey starts to see through his father’s lies, he decides he may not wanna be part of this business anymore.
Korman truly does write some of the best middle-grade books I’ve ever read, and this is no exception! Korman writes a lot about ethics in this story, and I think that ethics are a super important part of life that a middle schooler could really benefit from learning about! This book has a great mix of interesting characters and suspenseful plot points. I loved hearing about Trey’s past with his con-man father, I loved the interactions characters had with ‘Mona’, a quirky calico. Korman added lots of fun details that really made the story enjoyable.
Trey was a very lovable character; maybe you wouldn’t initially think that because he’s always helped his father get away with these scandals, but Trey really is a great kid who will make you ponder your morals. I think all of the characters were very interesting to read about; they all had a super-present personality that added a lot of flavor to the story! My favorite character was definitely Logan; I sympathized with his issues and thought he was pretty funny too.
I feel like every few chapters a new fun twist was put in the story; I definitely wasn’t expecting anything that ended up happening. I can only recall one plot twist that I guessed would occur, but to be fair I only thought about it happening a chapter or two before it ensued.
I would 100% recommend this to anyone, honestly! Korman is an excellent author; I can’t think of a novel of his that I didn’t like.
Favorite Qoutes:
"I don’t see that Dad anymore. He hasn’t changed at all, so the difference must be me."
"But even though he was using me, I never felt used. I was important. I was part of this."
"The look on her face when she sees me wipes out all the agony of that crosstown run. Sore feet? Never heard of them. Her expression is like a sunrise bursting over a field of goldenrod–"
March 12, 2024
I adore Gordon Korman’s writing. He has a unique ability to get inside the heads of middle schoolers, and he’s very, very funny. His title “I Want to Go Home” is still one of my all-time favorite middle grade reads. It’s hysterical. Korman’s Bruno & Boots books were also a part of my childhood. Great stuff!
Therefore, when I saw this book available on NetGalley, I immediately snapped it up. Korman again delivers a solid story, this time about a professional con man and his two kids. You really feel for Trey, a 12-year-old who keeps having to pack up and leave behind new friends—friends who his dad has just defrauded out of tens of thousands of dollars. Trey can’t keep in touch with anyone, not even with the best friends he makes. But it’s okay, because he’s with his dad and sister, and family comes first, right?
As Trey gets older and wiser, suddenly he starts to think more about what his family is doing: Is what they’re doing really okay because the victims are rich?
I enjoyed this, and there’s some great food for thought in here about citizenship and ethics. My only minor quibble is that the ending came together a little quickly for my taste.
This would be great for upper elementary and middle school students!
Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for the advance copy! All opinions are my own.
Therefore, when I saw this book available on NetGalley, I immediately snapped it up. Korman again delivers a solid story, this time about a professional con man and his two kids. You really feel for Trey, a 12-year-old who keeps having to pack up and leave behind new friends—friends who his dad has just defrauded out of tens of thousands of dollars. Trey can’t keep in touch with anyone, not even with the best friends he makes. But it’s okay, because he’s with his dad and sister, and family comes first, right?
As Trey gets older and wiser, suddenly he starts to think more about what his family is doing: Is what they’re doing really okay because the victims are rich?
I enjoyed this, and there’s some great food for thought in here about citizenship and ethics. My only minor quibble is that the ending came together a little quickly for my taste.
This would be great for upper elementary and middle school students!
Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for the advance copy! All opinions are my own.
December 24, 2024
Gordon Korman's usual charm is running strong in this one. 🥰 I love the theme in this story and how it shows the grey area between right and wrong. It's a beautifully written story!! I highly recommend this for anyone who loves humor, rich characters, and themes that make you think about life.
Content: within the first few chapters there was a mention of a boy getting hit where it really hurts. It was more of a funny scene used to show his determination not to get caught sneaking around, even if it meant holding in a scream. But still, I felt it was unnecessary for a middle grade story.
Content: within the first few chapters there was a mention of a boy getting hit where it really hurts. It was more of a funny scene used to show his determination not to get caught sneaking around, even if it meant holding in a scream. But still, I felt it was unnecessary for a middle grade story.
July 22, 2024
Faker is Gordon Korman's latest book. What happens when your family is evil? Trey's Dad is a professional conman who uses his two kids as part of the family business. He takes advantage of rich people who will not miss their money. During their latest scam that involves an electric car, Trey begins to question the "family business". Is his Dad who he seems to be? What if Trey wants to start living a life of integrity, is it an option? Can a twelve year-old leave his family without turning them in?
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title.
December 28, 2024
Rating: 3.2 / 5
Unfortunately, although this had all the ingredients in a usual Gordon Korman recipe, it fell flat in so many ways, ultimately leaving me disappointed and wondering if the author was even trying on this one. From some of the other more critical reviews of this book as well, I conclude that I'm not the only one who saw the problems with this.
Premise-wise, it's pretty interesting: a family of con artists led by the father (mom's out of the picture) move from place to place, where their modis operendi is to have the eldest son and protagonist, Trey, befriend rich kids and therefore give his dad an in to selling whatever snake oil he feels will work best. The family's done this so many times that they have it down to an art, and though Trey feels bad at leaving his life behind every time, ultimately family comes first as the most important thing.
That's cool and all, except that things kind of get broken down after that, with a few things which unfortunately do influence the story overall being...well, just not up to par or realistic/believable, etc.
In a nutshell, here's what didn't work for me:
- Trey warmed up to this new town that they move to at the beginning of the book and got a loyalty for people there way too quickly, and not at all convincingly. This kid's moved all his life from place to place, over and over again, and yet never has he been tempted to blow his cover or really want to stay in a place. Unfortunately, the author doesn't give us a lot of time with these characters or describe a lot of Trey's interactions with them, so it's not at all believable for him to really be as devoted to them as he's coming off.
- Arianna as a character. Just...I think they were going for the Ozai-Azula influence with her in just making her a miniature ball of evil, but...well, take that MINUS Azula's charm, and you've pretty much got a messed up situation this way, with Trey as the character of Zuko just...not being enough of a buffer.
- EVERYTHING ABOUT THE ENDING. This is a pretty big one and not something that I want to go into spoiler territory for, but...well, let's just list three vague things that I found problematic:
1) a pretty far-fetched coincidence that's laughably unrealistic
2) an unbelievable "resolution" following Trey's final confrontation which...given the history of his family, just should NOT be resolved that quickly
3) an overall ending that...felt FLAT and UNDESERVED, because there's kind of no justice serviced and therefore wasn't satisfying at all.
And, my final critique for this book, in a nutshell and what I feel contributes to all the faults about, is that it's just WAY TOO SHORT.
I mean, I get that it's a middle grade book, but all of Korman's stuff is usually longer than this, and that's necessary to really build up the characters' personalities, their interactions, and in other words everything that makes us connect to them and follow along their stories with some believability.
In this case, though...sorry, but it felt cursory on behalf of the author, like he was just really told to write SOMETHING for this year, and so he put in some of his usual stuff, but didn't really know how to go beyond that.
I AM giving it 3 stars for my being able to get through it so quickly and for the lessons on ethics being surprisingly mature and a good lesson for kids; but, especially in terms of the ending, I really wouldn't have it go further than that, and so far it's my least favourite of all the Gordon Korman books I've tried. My ranking thus far is as follows:
Ranking of the Gordon Korman Books I've Read (so far)
1) Restart
2) Whatshisface
3) Operation Do-Over
4) Schooled
5) Faker
Unfortunately, although this had all the ingredients in a usual Gordon Korman recipe, it fell flat in so many ways, ultimately leaving me disappointed and wondering if the author was even trying on this one. From some of the other more critical reviews of this book as well, I conclude that I'm not the only one who saw the problems with this.
Premise-wise, it's pretty interesting: a family of con artists led by the father (mom's out of the picture) move from place to place, where their modis operendi is to have the eldest son and protagonist, Trey, befriend rich kids and therefore give his dad an in to selling whatever snake oil he feels will work best. The family's done this so many times that they have it down to an art, and though Trey feels bad at leaving his life behind every time, ultimately family comes first as the most important thing.
That's cool and all, except that things kind of get broken down after that, with a few things which unfortunately do influence the story overall being...well, just not up to par or realistic/believable, etc.
In a nutshell, here's what didn't work for me:
- Trey warmed up to this new town that they move to at the beginning of the book and got a loyalty for people there way too quickly, and not at all convincingly. This kid's moved all his life from place to place, over and over again, and yet never has he been tempted to blow his cover or really want to stay in a place. Unfortunately, the author doesn't give us a lot of time with these characters or describe a lot of Trey's interactions with them, so it's not at all believable for him to really be as devoted to them as he's coming off.
- Arianna as a character. Just...I think they were going for the Ozai-Azula influence with her in just making her a miniature ball of evil, but...well, take that MINUS Azula's charm, and you've pretty much got a messed up situation this way, with Trey as the character of Zuko just...not being enough of a buffer.
- EVERYTHING ABOUT THE ENDING. This is a pretty big one and not something that I want to go into spoiler territory for, but...well, let's just list three vague things that I found problematic:
1) a pretty far-fetched coincidence that's laughably unrealistic
2) an unbelievable "resolution" following Trey's final confrontation which...given the history of his family, just should NOT be resolved that quickly
3) an overall ending that...felt FLAT and UNDESERVED, because there's kind of no justice serviced and therefore wasn't satisfying at all.
And, my final critique for this book, in a nutshell and what I feel contributes to all the faults about, is that it's just WAY TOO SHORT.
I mean, I get that it's a middle grade book, but all of Korman's stuff is usually longer than this, and that's necessary to really build up the characters' personalities, their interactions, and in other words everything that makes us connect to them and follow along their stories with some believability.
In this case, though...sorry, but it felt cursory on behalf of the author, like he was just really told to write SOMETHING for this year, and so he put in some of his usual stuff, but didn't really know how to go beyond that.
I AM giving it 3 stars for my being able to get through it so quickly and for the lessons on ethics being surprisingly mature and a good lesson for kids; but, especially in terms of the ending, I really wouldn't have it go further than that, and so far it's my least favourite of all the Gordon Korman books I've tried. My ranking thus far is as follows:
Ranking of the Gordon Korman Books I've Read (so far)
1) Restart
2) Whatshisface
3) Operation Do-Over
4) Schooled
5) Faker
January 27, 2024
Gordon Korman's new middle grade is a fun one to get kids thinking. Moral dilemmas, a bit of a mystery, and characters that kids will love. Korman's books make great book club selections because there is so much to talk about! You can always count on Korman to deliver!
January 13, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
November 7, 2024
good book. small. easy-to-read.
September 13, 2024
This book was pretty good. Not the best Gordon Korman I have read. I didn't feel like he supported his arguments very well. That sounds like a review of a technical paper but it is true here as well. The main character moves to a new town, like he has done 100 times before, and as we are still in the vibe of the getting to know the new friends then suddenly he is presented with another move and he says that never before has he wanted to stay instead of moving. Claiming that he likes his new friends so much that he can't think of leaving... But, like I said, I still felt like we were getting to know the new friends. It was kind of like the author said "I say that they are close so you need to believe that they are close." Then the wrap up in the end felt a little rushed. I didn't find the father's response very believable. But it was still a fun book that made you think about the world from a different perspective.
October 6, 2024
A Gordon Korman single pov we are so back
November 4, 2024
The tag line for this middle grade novel says it all: “It’s no fun being a son on the run.”
I was intrigued when I read the premise of this novel, and it was even better than I thought it was going to be. Narrated by 12-year-old Trey, he and his sister live with their father, who Trey describes as a “confidence man.” His father creates schemes to convince rich people to invest, and then just before the scheme is revealed to be a fake, they escape with their money and lay low at a foreign resort until his father crafts another money-making investment scheme, creates new personas for the family, and locates a new location to ensnare their marks.
The best part of this novel is Trey. He is a likable kid who wants to do the right thing, which he learns more about when he takes an Ethics class taught by his girlfriend’s dad. And what’s more, he is tired of lying and always being on the run. He just wants to settle down and make some long-term friends. And have a real life.
This is an easy, engrossing read, and one that will generate some good discussions. It’s a humorous story about family, loyalty, and doing the right thing. Looking forward to reading more by Gordon Korman.
I was intrigued when I read the premise of this novel, and it was even better than I thought it was going to be. Narrated by 12-year-old Trey, he and his sister live with their father, who Trey describes as a “confidence man.” His father creates schemes to convince rich people to invest, and then just before the scheme is revealed to be a fake, they escape with their money and lay low at a foreign resort until his father crafts another money-making investment scheme, creates new personas for the family, and locates a new location to ensnare their marks.
The best part of this novel is Trey. He is a likable kid who wants to do the right thing, which he learns more about when he takes an Ethics class taught by his girlfriend’s dad. And what’s more, he is tired of lying and always being on the run. He just wants to settle down and make some long-term friends. And have a real life.
This is an easy, engrossing read, and one that will generate some good discussions. It’s a humorous story about family, loyalty, and doing the right thing. Looking forward to reading more by Gordon Korman.
March 23, 2025
Gordon Korman writes such interesting stories for kids. In Faker, Trey’s family are con artists. His dad comes up with the con and then Trey is responsible for befriending rich kids at his boarding school and set up their parents for his dad. When the con is done they head out on a tropical vacation, ditch their identities, and become someone new. Then they start up a new con in a new place with new unsuspecting people. But now that Trey’s 12, he starts to question what his family is doing and he finally finds a place where he doesn’t want to leave.
Kids will like it. Audiobook is good. Everything wraps up a bit too neatly and conveniently, but it’s a kids book, and it’s fun while it lasts.
Kids will like it. Audiobook is good. Everything wraps up a bit too neatly and conveniently, but it’s a kids book, and it’s fun while it lasts.
March 7, 2025
3.5 stars
Quick Review
Faker by Gordon Korman
Rating: 3.5 stars
Language/Profanity: None that I remember
Faith: None
Romance/Sex: A guy (Twelve years old) has a crush on a girl (also twelve years old).
Violence ect.: No violence.
Other: Stealing; lying; mention of a guy getting hit on a... sensitive spot. It is mentioned a few more times in the chapter; someone said if they go swimming any more they will grow seaweed out of their... behind; said/mentioned (in a joking way) 'dark wizardry' only once and talking about something else; said/mentioned 'If all the stars are aligned'; a mother leaving when the kids were very young.
Part of a Series: No.
Bible Verse:
John 8:31-32 KJV
[31] Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; [32] and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
(Yes, I purposely chose a Bible verse about truth :)
Quick Review
Faker by Gordon Korman
Rating: 3.5 stars
Language/Profanity: None that I remember
Faith: None
Romance/Sex: A guy (Twelve years old) has a crush on a girl (also twelve years old).
Violence ect.: No violence.
Other: Stealing; lying; mention of a guy getting hit on a... sensitive spot. It is mentioned a few more times in the chapter; someone said if they go swimming any more they will grow seaweed out of their... behind; said/mentioned (in a joking way) 'dark wizardry' only once and talking about something else; said/mentioned 'If all the stars are aligned'; a mother leaving when the kids were very young.
Part of a Series: No.
Bible Verse:
John 8:31-32 KJV
[31] Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; [32] and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
(Yes, I purposely chose a Bible verse about truth :)
August 4, 2024
It's honestly so cool how Gordon Korman can take such topics and make it into a compelling story!! Ethics really is tricky, but it was a really good message!
August 18, 2025
A very age-appropriate and decently fun read for a middle schooler, but parts of this had some execution issues.
I always try to rate books based on how I probably would have liked them when I was the age of the target audience, because otherwise it’s a little unfair to the book and the author.
The bones of this were good, but the characterization sometimes gave me whiplash in a way that I’m sure I would have also picked up as a 12 or 13-year old.
The kid’s family are all con artists. They’re in the middle of a scam. We’re told that constantly (over repeated, honestly, like we might have forgotten the whole premise of the book in the last 50 pages), but then there will be these occasional bursts of really out of character naïveté, where the main character will suddenly be caught off guard when their dad lies or something turns out to be fake and it really threw me. The reaction just didn’t make sense. It’s like he suddenly forgot his own story.
I always try to rate books based on how I probably would have liked them when I was the age of the target audience, because otherwise it’s a little unfair to the book and the author.
The bones of this were good, but the characterization sometimes gave me whiplash in a way that I’m sure I would have also picked up as a 12 or 13-year old.
The kid’s family are all con artists. They’re in the middle of a scam. We’re told that constantly (over repeated, honestly, like we might have forgotten the whole premise of the book in the last 50 pages), but then there will be these occasional bursts of really out of character naïveté, where the main character will suddenly be caught off guard when their dad lies or something turns out to be fake and it really threw me. The reaction just didn’t make sense. It’s like he suddenly forgot his own story.
September 3, 2024
What's a twelve-year-old boy who has spent most of his life on the run with his sister and extremely talented con artist dad, supposed to do when he's not sure he wants to be in on the con anymore, or maybe doesn't really believe his dad anymore that they're not hurting anyone since they're only conning super rich people out of their money. He's always looked up to his dad and was proud of how good he was at his job, even though his dad's job was stealing from people. Maybe he just wants to stop moving to a new town every few months. He likes the friends he's made in this new town now and doesn't want to lose them. Add to that the fact that his favorite class is Ethics and all the things he's learning there that he never thought about before. He's seeing his life and what he's been a part of in a whole new light. I can always count on Gordon Korman for a wonderful story that I will get invested in right from the beginning. This one was so good I couldn't put it down and read it all in one sitting.
June 23, 2024
How many kids are considering ethics in middle school? My guess? Most of them. Questions about how you're going to show up in life and why are a big part of growing up, and they're not easy to answer. This is a fun story about one kid deciding considering his roles as a family member and friend, and what he wants to change. It's definitely in the voice and style of Gordon Korman. If you like his books, you'll like this one. If not, well, maybe his writing isn't your cup of tea. Thank you to NetGalley for sharing the eARC with me.
August 27, 2024
2024 middle grade novel. Canadian author.
Engaging premise. Realistic characters. Some improbable situations and plot holes, combined with a tidy/unbelievable conclusion, dropped this to a three-star read.
September 12, 2025
I wanted to love this book. I mean, it's a middle grade novel about scams! That practically has my name written on it. Unfortunately, this book just keeps setting up interesting ideas and failing to follow through on them.
The major problem - the one that haunts this entire book - is how our main character Trey doesn't feel fully developed. He has been living the life of a con artist's son for 12 years, but you sure wouldn't know it from his narration. I suspect this is because the author felt like he needed to explain to the audience that something was a scam, and used Trey's gullibility as that method. But it completely ruins the character. Plus, you literally have the EAGER BUT CLUELESS YOUNGER SISTER CHARACTER RIGHT THERE. All of the scenes where Trey bought into his fathers scams - all of them could have been replaced with Arianna being confused, and Trey having to explain to her that this is just a part of the family business.
The romance - if you can even call it that - between Kaylee and Trey felt really forced. I would have preferred if that page time was used to establish a genuine friendship between characters.
The most damning problem with this book is the ending.
The major problem - the one that haunts this entire book - is how our main character Trey doesn't feel fully developed. He has been living the life of a con artist's son for 12 years, but you sure wouldn't know it from his narration. I suspect this is because the author felt like he needed to explain to the audience that something was a scam, and used Trey's gullibility as that method. But it completely ruins the character. Plus, you literally have the EAGER BUT CLUELESS YOUNGER SISTER CHARACTER RIGHT THERE. All of the scenes where Trey bought into his fathers scams - all of them could have been replaced with Arianna being confused, and Trey having to explain to her that this is just a part of the family business.
The romance - if you can even call it that - between Kaylee and Trey felt really forced. I would have preferred if that page time was used to establish a genuine friendship between characters.
The most damning problem with this book is the ending.
August 4, 2024
Faker by Gordon Korman
5h 54m narrated by Christopher Gebauer, 224 pages
Genre: Middle-Grade Fiction
Featuring: Con Artist Dad, Great Dane, Boarding School, Single Parent Household, Imposter Trope, Boston, Massachusetts; Grifters, Vagabonds, Nashville, Tennessee; Calico Cat, Ethics, Middle School, Family Dynamics & Drama, Friendship
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½⏳️💸
My thoughts: 📱27% 1:35:07 Chapter 7 - I wasn't planning on starting this book today, but I needed a kid-friendly audiobook. My son will be finishing on his own. I wasn't expecting an Imposter Trope, this should be interesting.
📱40% 2:20:36 Chapter 10 - I see where this is going, it's okay.
The story was okay, I wasn't into the ending but it's the right choice for its target audience. I started this book with my family, my son wasn't fully drawn in so I don't know if he will finish it. So far he hasn't continued on his own.
Recommend to others: Sure, it's rare to go wrong with Gordon Korman, in the past if I wasn't into a book, my kid was.
5h 54m narrated by Christopher Gebauer, 224 pages
Genre: Middle-Grade Fiction
Featuring: Con Artist Dad, Great Dane, Boarding School, Single Parent Household, Imposter Trope, Boston, Massachusetts; Grifters, Vagabonds, Nashville, Tennessee; Calico Cat, Ethics, Middle School, Family Dynamics & Drama, Friendship
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½⏳️💸
My thoughts: 📱27% 1:35:07 Chapter 7 - I wasn't planning on starting this book today, but I needed a kid-friendly audiobook. My son will be finishing on his own. I wasn't expecting an Imposter Trope, this should be interesting.
📱40% 2:20:36 Chapter 10 - I see where this is going, it's okay.
The story was okay, I wasn't into the ending but it's the right choice for its target audience. I started this book with my family, my son wasn't fully drawn in so I don't know if he will finish it. So far he hasn't continued on his own.
Recommend to others: Sure, it's rare to go wrong with Gordon Korman, in the past if I wasn't into a book, my kid was.
October 13, 2025
Wow, what a ride!💖
4.5
Language: Just some uses of h*ck, d*ng, and g*sh.
Violence: N/A.
Magic: N/A.
This surprisingly took me a little longer to read than expected, not because I didn't like it, I really enjoyed it, it was just a little different than I was expecting. Trey was the only pov so a little out of the norm I've come to expect from a Korman book, but good and hilarious none the less💖
Trey was a great MC, he was sweet and funny and conflicted emotions were on point!💖👌 Ariana cracked me laughing, she was such a brat but also so funny at the same time😂 Kaylee was sweet and also super fun!💖 Logan was funny and a great friend to Trey!💖
Also, let's not forget Mona Lisa, she was great! She reminded me a lot of my BFF's cat, very distinguished and spoiled, which was funny😂💖
The mystery aspect and overall theme of the story was great and intriguing!💖 And the whole premise, a family of con artists? Yes please!💖😉
8+
4.5
Language: Just some uses of h*ck, d*ng, and g*sh.
Violence: N/A.
Magic: N/A.
This surprisingly took me a little longer to read than expected, not because I didn't like it, I really enjoyed it, it was just a little different than I was expecting. Trey was the only pov so a little out of the norm I've come to expect from a Korman book, but good and hilarious none the less💖
Trey was a great MC, he was sweet and funny and conflicted emotions were on point!💖👌 Ariana cracked me laughing, she was such a brat but also so funny at the same time😂 Kaylee was sweet and also super fun!💖 Logan was funny and a great friend to Trey!💖
Also, let's not forget Mona Lisa, she was great! She reminded me a lot of my BFF's cat, very distinguished and spoiled, which was funny😂💖
The mystery aspect and overall theme of the story was great and intriguing!💖 And the whole premise, a family of con artists? Yes please!💖😉
8+
July 2, 2024
Thank you @netgalley! Gordon Korman never disappoints and this book was a hit! Twelve year-old Trey is used to being on the run, because his dad is a conman who swindles the rich. Which should be okay, because after all, they are rich, right? His dad gets him into a school full of kids with rich parents and he makes friends and his dad makes connections. When Trey’s dad manages to sucker parents into investing in one of his schemes, Trey, his dad and his sister are on the run again. But Trey is tired of running and lying and never having friends. As he begins to learn about ethical behavior and develop bonds with students, he knows he has to find a way to get his family to stop lying.
This was a quick read and I know students are going to enjoy the nail-biting suspense!
This was a quick read and I know students are going to enjoy the nail-biting suspense!
August 15, 2024
What kind of a father has his children help him scam people out of their money?
Trey and his younger sister are constantly "on the run" with their con-man father, who thinks it is ok to take money from Rich folks, because they can afford to lose it.
Trey, after their last con job, is now in a new town, making new friends (among the rich kids' families), but this time it's different, he really likes these people, his school and the town.
He dreads hearing "Houdini" which is the word that they must drop everything and run......
Trey and his younger sister are constantly "on the run" with their con-man father, who thinks it is ok to take money from Rich folks, because they can afford to lose it.
Trey, after their last con job, is now in a new town, making new friends (among the rich kids' families), but this time it's different, he really likes these people, his school and the town.
He dreads hearing "Houdini" which is the word that they must drop everything and run......
September 27, 2024
Fast paced, high interest, low reading level, age appropriate. I’ve been impressed with the three or four Gordon Korman books I’ve read and definitely recommend them for middle grade readers, particularly reluctant readers.
Should you, an adult reader who enjoys some middle grade, pick this one up? Probably not. This is like a good burger—it’s not fair to compare it to lobster; even if among all the burgers, this one belongs on a steakhouse menu.
Should you, an adult reader who enjoys some middle grade, pick this one up? Probably not. This is like a good burger—it’s not fair to compare it to lobster; even if among all the burgers, this one belongs on a steakhouse menu.
May 2, 2024
Once again, Gordon Korman writes a winner of a book applicable for all ages. FAKER was entertaining and thought-provoking, with a very unique plot and characters that grab you right from the beginning. I read it fairly quickly, mostly because I was so invested in 12 year old Trey and wanted to see what kind of an ending he would get. This is a book for parents and children to read together, one that elicits discussion about right, wrong, and the shades of gray in the middle. I loved it!
December 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5. Trey, his father, and his sisters are swindlers. Fakers. They set up a life, steal money from the wealthy, and disappear. But when they set up in a town where Trey actually starts making friends, he decides that he wants out. But how can he get out without his father being arrested? Hand to readers in grades 5-8.
August 14, 2025
A delight! Would be an excellent classroom text for middle school and up. Ripe for discussions about belonging, making positive change in your neighborhood, economic divides, identity.. the list goes on! I thought the ending was a little short and forced but otherwise the pacing was great.
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